What is a cocktail dress?

A cocktail dress is a semi-formal dress typically falling between the knee and mid-calf. It sits between casual and black-tie on the formality scale and is worn to events like weddings, work functions, birthday celebrations, holiday parties, and evening dinners. The style allows room for personal expression within a polished framework.

What color cocktail dress is most versatile?

Black is the most universally wearable cocktail dress color and pairs with any shoe or accessory. Navy, emerald, and burgundy are strong alternatives that bring color while staying event-appropriate. For weddings, soft pastels and jewel tones are popular choices that complement most settings.

What is the difference between a cocktail dress and a party dress?

A cocktail dress tends to be slightly more polished and refined, with structured fabrics and a hemline at or below the knee. A party dress is often shorter, bolder, and less bound by dress code expectations. Both have a place in your wardrobe, but when an invitation specifies "cocktail attire," lean toward the more tailored option.

Where can I buy cocktail dresses in the US?

Showpo's cocktail dress collection covers every silhouette, color, and occasion in sizes 0 to 16. The Size Guide helps you find your perfect fit, the Returns Policy makes exchanges easy, and fast US shipping (including next-day delivery) means your dress arrives when you need it. Visit the Showpo Blog for more occasion dressing and styling guides.

Women’s Cocktail Dresses | Party, Holiday & Event Styles

Crisanta Maxi Dress

Long Sleeve Contrast Lace Bodycon Dress in Pink

$

79.00

$~~129.95~~

You save 39%

4.8(10)

Aletta Maxi Dress

Cowl Cross Back Dress in Wine Floral

$

49.00

$~~139.95~~

You save 65%

4.8(195)

Ariella Midi Dress

Strappy Cut Out Back Split Dress in Lemon

$

38.00

$~~89.95~~

You save 58%

Judee Midi Dress

One Shoulder High Side Split Dress in Pink

$

117.00

$~~129.95~~

You save 10%

4.9(13)

Silvana Midi Dress

Halter Ruched Side Split Dress in Citrus

$

70.00

$~~109.95~~

You save 36%

Isabel Midi Dress

Twist Off Shoulder Bodycon Dress in Red

$

62.00

$~~109.95~~

You save 44%

5(22)

Jiraye Midi Dress

Flutter Sleeve Tuelle Plunge Dress in Lemon

$

63.00

$~~139.95~~

You save 55%

4.8(66)

Judee Midi Dress

One Shoulder High Side Split Dress in Sage

$

117.00

$~~129.95~~

You save 10%

4.9(13)

Sara Midi Dress

Ruched Bodice Lurex Dress in Navy

$

62.00

$~~119.95~~

You save 48%

4.8(4)

Judee Midi Dress

One Shoulder High Side Split Dress in Black

$

117.00

$~~129.95~~

You save 10%

4.9(13)

Eva Maxi Dress

Plunge Halter Wrap Dress in Chocolate

$

105.00

$~~139.95~~

You save 25%

Angie Maxi Dress

Strapless Bias Column Dress with Scarf in Electric Bloom Lemon

$

90.00

$~~159.95~~

You save 44%

5(6)

Marga Midi Dress

Plunge Ruffle Detail Cut Out Dress in Petal Paradise

$

42.00

$~~139.95~~

You save 70%

4.9(7)

Cohen Midi Dress

Jacquard Satin Midi Dress in Pink

$

83.00

$~~109.95~~

You save 25%

Miggy Midi Dress

Puff Sleeve Cut Out Split Dress in White

$

75.00

$~~99.95~~

You save 25%

4.8(27)

Terri Midi Dress

Diamante Square Neck Bodycon Dress in Nude

$

113.00

$~~249.95~~

You save 55%

4.5(2)

James Midi Dress

Ruched Stretch Lace Dress in Red

$

67.00

$~~119.95~~

You save 44%

Ylona Midi Dress

Asymmetric Draped Bias Cut Satin Slip Dress in Ice Blue

$

42.00

$~~119.95~~

You save 65%

Sofia Maxi Dress

Jersey Low Cowl Neck A Line Dress in Tonal Leopard

$

84.00

$~~119.95~~

You save 30%

5(1)

Variel Midi Dress

Strapless Fringe Sequin Dress in Champagne

$

105.00

$~~139.95~~

You save 25%

5(6)

Aldine Midi Dress

Ombre Mesh Bodycon Dress in Chocolate

$

63.00

$~~89.95~~

You save 30%

4.9(14)

Roseville Midi

Wrap Front Halter Dress with Hardware Detail in White

$

90.00

$~~119.95~~

You save 25%

Jonas Midi Dress

Strapless Corset Bodice Draped Waist Skirt Dress in Chocolate

$

73.00

$~~149.95~~

You save 51%

Brailey Jacquard Mini Dress

Puff Sleeve Dress in Pink

$

79.00

$~~139.95~~

You save 44%

4.9(72)

Artelia Midi Dress

V Neck Long Sleeve Slip Dress in Emerald

$

70.00

$~~99.95~~

You save 30%

4.9(7)

Alexia Midi Dress

One Shoulder Bust Slip Dress in Ice Blue

$

67.00

$~~109.95~~

You save 39%

5(2)

How Will I Know Midi Dress

Wrap Waist Tie Tulip Hem Dress in Copper

$

42.00

$~~139.95~~

You save 70%

Rosha Mini Dress

Ruffle Strap Dress in Lemon

$

44.00

$~~89.95~~

You save 51%

Aretha Midi Dress

Square Neckline High Split Dress in Mocha

$

54.00

$~~109.95~~

You save 51%

5(6)

Adana Maxi Dress

Lace Fit And Flare Dress in White

$

42.00

$~~139.95~~

You save 70%

4.8(5)